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The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) says four of its employees died in Tuesday’s fire incident at Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos.
The fire was said to have started in the inverter room located in the basement and later spread through the building.
A statement on Wednesday by Dare Adekanmbi, media aide to Zacch Adedeji, the FIRS chairperson, said the deceased were working at the agency’s offices on the sixth and seventh floors when the incident occurred.
The victims were identified as Ekelikhostse George, assistant director; David Sunday-Jatto, assistant director; Nkem Onyemelukwe, senior manager; and Peter Ifaranmaye, manager.
Adekanmbi said the service is in mourning and has reached out to the families of the victims.
“The management and entire staff are in deep shock and sorrow over the development. We offer our condolences to the grieving families and will provide all the necessary support at this trying time,” the statement reads.
He added that FIRS security officials quickly alerted the fire service, but the blaze had already engulfed parts of the building.
Adekanmbi said the agency is working with relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire and would also review safety protocols across all its offices nationwide.
ONline Videos showed some occupants leaping onto foamy materials spread below, while others clung to ledges until ladders were raised for their escape
Afriland Properties Plc confirmed on Wednesday that a fire broke out at its headquarters, Afriland Towers, on Broad Street in Lagos Island, a day after panicked workers smashed windows for air as smoke swept through the six-storey building.
The company said in a statement by its Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Chukwunonso Okafor, that the blaze started in the building’s inverter room before smoke quickly filled multiple floors, including emergency exits, even as evacuation procedures were being observed.
It also said it alerted the various fire agencies which responded promptly and helped in curtailing escalations.
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said on Tuesday nine people were rescued from the building.
Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide, said on Tuesday that five of them were successfully resuscitated, while several others escaped unhurt. He said efforts were ongoing to revive four others.
Afriland Towers is a commercial property in one of Lagos which houses offices and businesses.